The Dink Review: Apple TV+ brings to our screen a sweet family comedy drama that highlights the woes of parental expectations and the pressures that we put on ourselves in the guise of playing pickleball. The sport has been a rage for quite some time, and the film makes good use of the situation while also serving as a familiar and warm watch that feels relatable and enjoyable.
The film follows a washed-up tennis prodigy whose hatred for pickleball is challenged when he is forced to play the sport for medical reasons. However, his hatred is soon challenged when the ease and familiarity of the sport give him a new lease of life. Starring Jake Johnson as the underachiever still living vicariously through a past that never came to fruition, the series is sweet and humorous, with some heartwarming moments that seal the deal.
The cast also includes Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Ben Stiller, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, Aaron Chen, and Andy Roddick, and is directed by Josh Greenbaum.
The Dink Review
Pickleball Is the Hook, But Family Is the Real Story
As mentioned previously, pickleball has really been having a moment for the last few years, and The Dink takes the concept and runs with it, introducing a sweet family drama in the midst of the high-octane fight between the sport and tennis. As Chuck and the others in the country club find it appalling to let the pickleball crew get more than they think that they deserve, the film keeps it tense but lighthearted in the push and pull between the two factions. The fight seems to be silly and over-the-top, but the ridiculousness adds to the humour of the show.
The pickleball and tennis fight also lends its hand to Dusty’s strained relationship with Chuck, who is disappointed in his son for not beating Andy Roddick when they were younger. Ed Harris is a gruff and intimidating Chuck, whose expectations of his son and how Dusty handles his interactions with him form the backbone of the story. Pickleball is just a ruse to see these emotions come to light, and the vulnerability that the characters display as they unearth years of disappointment is worth a watch.
Jake Johnson Delivers Another Endearing Everyman Performance
Jake Johnson’s Dusty Boyd is a lovable underachiever whose struggles hit right at home. He’s constantly chasing validation, living through the lens of a life that he can’t achieve anymore. Once a rising star in tennis, a mental breakdown and a broken wrist render him unable to play, and now he’s a coach in his father’s tennis country club. This country club is now his entire world, and he tells tall tales about his life to anyone who’d listen.
Boyd’s emotional journey is made even sweeter and watchable thanks to Johnson’s natural comedic timing and a grounded portrayal of the character. His natural performance makes Boyd a character you root for, not just pity. The familiar scenes feel engaging because the journey is heartfelt. His self-deprecating humour, too, doesn’t feel overdone or extreme, and there’s a hidden pain behind his comments that will be relatable to many who struggle with self-image issues. Dusty is just dramatic enough to enjoy but never goes overboard where audiences have no other option but to hate him.
Mary Steenburgen Brings Warmth to Every Scene
One of the main pillars of the film is Dusty’s relationship with Candace, and Mary Steenburgen brings a warmth to her character that brightens up the screen. She forms the emotional catalyst for Dusty as she pushes him to look beyond his small world and experience something new. As Dusty rediscovers the joy of competition, we see his chemistry with Candace flourish, although their relationship works beyond a conventional romantic interest. Their interactions also don’t overshadow the comedic moments of the film as they balance each other quite well.
A Comfort Watch That Doesn’t Need to Be Revolutionary
The Dink is a simple story about finding yourself after years of living in the shadows. Without getting too deep into the past, the film tries to embrace a classic underdog-style storytelling, with a difficult past and redemption working hand in hand with the help of unlikely allies. The pace remains steady and enjoyable, and there’s a lighthearted approach to the story that, despite some obvious moments, moves along seamlessly. Although I found the film to be a bit too long for the subject matter, it never gets boring, and viewers who are looking for something sweet and warm will definitely find themselves lost in the motions.
In the end, however, The Dink isn’t trying to be something revolutionary or groundbreaking. It’s entertaining and engaging, and even though the plot is obvious, there’s a sweetness to it that feels infectious. The characters share good chemistry and leave a smile on your face for most of the runtime, and it’s an accessible and feel-good comedy that doesn’t try too hard to be something that it’s not.
Final Verdict
The Dink movie is a feel-good comedy about second chances, redemption and family reconciliation, and, although obvious, is a fun watch. It’s warm, with its heart in the right place, and thus it’s enough to enjoy despite some obvious and repetitive parts. With heartfelt performances and good chemistry, this comedy’s a good bet if you want something to take your mind off things.
The Dink will stream on Apple TV+ from July 24, 2026. Let us know your thoughts about the movie in the comments below!
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